Many in this group see a persistent hostility toward the immigrant community, and worry about its impact on community life. Though there has been a lot of effort to welcome and accommodate immigrants, particularly

Latino immigrants, resentment persists in many areas. Hostility toward immigrants contributes to fear and distrust on the part of the immigrants themselves.

As leaders of service agencies, these participants also experience difficulty communicating with the Latino community. Difficulties with communication makes it more difficult for Latino residents to assimilate into community life, address issues collectively and absorb information about community resources.

A rising worry is shrinking resources for mental health and substance abuse treatment. There are very few options for care for low-income residents and virtually none at all for Latino residents battling alcohol and substance abuse, and other behavioral health problems.

"Mental health is way under the radar screen. The counselors in the schools are in a crisis," said one participant, who said it takes six months or more to secure an appointment with a child psychiatrist.

Hall County is an affluent community, but it is also home to a large number of poor households. The immigrant population is an element of this growing problem.

Community leaders point out that the affluence of the county means that, despite the large number of poor, the county does not qualify for some grants and resources that could help address some problems.

One of the barometers of growing poverty is the increase in Title 1 schools—schools that receive special designations and funds because of the large number of poor students they serve. One person said 700 new poor students are entering schools each year.

The problems of the poor are exacerbated for those living in rural areas of the county. As one participant put it, there are resources available in Gainesville, but those in outlying areas can’t get to them. The lack of public transportation in rural areas is a complicating factor.

Poverty in one generation promotes poverty in the next. Teens from poor families drop out of school and go to work as soon as possible to help meet family needs. Without education, the new generation remains in poverty as they enter adulthood and start their own families.

One participant reported that the dropout rate for Hall area schools is recorded as 12.7%, but is likely higher.

These leaders acknowledge that the county has been proactive providing adult educational opportunities. They would like to see greater collaboration with businesses to encourage those who drop out of schools, as well as immigrants who lack education, get what they need while continuing to work.

These social service leaders are practical. They realize that affordable labor supports a vibrant business community. They would like to see practical strategies, however, to try to break the cycle of poverty and dropping-out.

32% of Hall County 8th and 10th graders think about dropping out
of school at least some of the time. "Boredom" is the most
commonly cited reason for thinking about dropping out.
Source:  Hall County School System Safe & Drug Free Schools & Communities Report, 2007

Those in this group are unanimous in praise of the Hall County health care system. The problem is not health care, they say, but health insurance. Too many people don’t have health insurance, can’t get it at work, and can’t afford it, even when it is available.

As one participant put it, "If you have insurance, you are served, there is every service imaginable. But if you don’t have insurance, you are surrounded by beautiful doctors offices, but you can’t go."

The problems with insurance are going to get worse as insurance costs rise and as qualifications for subsidized programs like PeachCare for children push more people into the uninsured ranks.

Many without insurance are working poor, who either work part time jobs or work for companies that do not provide benefits. Others could perhaps afford health insurance, but they don’t understand its value. As one participant put it, people need to think about their priorities. "They can have a cell phone or they can have health care. They can have cable television or they can have health care."

"Parents have their heads in the sand," said one community leader about the rise in youth risky behavior. "Our kids are very sexualized and they are growing up very fast."

These leaders, many of whom work with youth and families in crisis, see parents abandoning their essential, traditional roles in teaching their children. They point out that some parents don’t want to discipline their children or set boundaries. Like school counselors, the see too many parents who want to be friends with their children rather than be parents. They don’t want to enforce consequences for bad actions and decisions. This group also sees parents buying alcohol for their children and friends.

A lack of parent-enforced boundaries is contributing to a variety of youth problems, including pregnancy, drug use, gang involvement and a lack of respect for authority. Community leaders see a growth in substance abuse problems, sexually transmitted diseases and even AIDS among youth.

When asked to identify solutions to the problems that face Hall County families, this group focused on education for troubled youth and disengaged parents. They would like to see area agencies work together to teach parenting skills and improved decision-making for youth. These leaders see education as the key, but acknowledge that traditional methods may no longer work.

These leaders would like to see parents held to a higher standard of accountability. As one put it, he would like to see more programs aimed at "building up men as leaders in their homes, to re-establish authority and give direction." He points out that many fathers have abandoned their roles as anchors for their children.

While not everyone agrees on the right approach, all agree that addressing the breakdown of families and the problems of youth at risk is a high priority for the future of the county.